Man killed in collision with unlicensed driver

SANTA ANA – A man died early Sunday after an unlicensed teen driving a minivan struck his car, officials said.

Scott Lusk, 28, of Santa Ana was making a left turn about 12:25 a.m. onto Highland Street from South Main Street in a 1994 Volvo when a 2006 Mazda van, driven by the teenager, collided with him at high speed, police Cmdr. Tammy Franks said.

According to police, the teen crossed lanes before hitting the Volvo. Both cars came to rest on the left-hand side of Main Street after the collision. The teen was driving with three passengers: two juveniles and one adult. Police say the driver had been drinking before the accident, but he did not test above 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content.

Lusk was taken to Western Medical Center-Santa Ana, where he died several hours later. Passengers in the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The driver of the van was not arrested and was released to his parents. The investigation is ongoing, Cpl. Larry Coleman said, and the teen's release followed countywide procedures. Juvenile Hall may not accept minors who have been drinking, he said, and officials submitted an out-of-custody petition for charges. Once an investigation is completed, the teen may face additional charges, he said.